Win consolidates Sleaford Town Reserves' spot at the top

Action from Sleaford Town Reserves v Horncastle Town on Saturday. Photo: John Burgess

Sleaford Town Reserves 1

Horncastle Town 0

League leaders Sleaford Town Reserves consolidated their position at the summit with a slender victory over Horncastle Town at Eslaforde Park.

Sleaford Town Reserves goal scorer Liam Tunstall (right) tangles with a Horncastle Town opponent. Photo: John Burgess

A Liam Tunstall goal 10 minutes from the end was enough to bag the three points towards the end of a poor game, spoilt by bitter, blustery conditions.

Horncastle have scored just seven times in their 12 league games and, despite having more of the second half possession, they created very few clear cut chances.

Both teams struggled to play any flowing football in the strong winds and half time arrived with neither keeper stretched.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with the visitors from Horncastle enjoying the lion’s share of possession and Luke Blondel bringing out a smart save from home keeper Alex Smith.

Appeals for a penalty were waved away by the referee after Horncastle’s Scott Lowman went for a tumble late on.

Horncastle were finally undone when Sleaford broke the deadlock in the 80th minute, after Jason Barratt crossed from the left side. Nathan Thompson rose at the far post to head the ball back across the goal area, where Tunstall was on hand to head home from close range.

As Horncastle went looking for an equaliser, the home side created a number of chances at the other end. Tunstall had two golden opportunities that went begging and Thompson was denied by a brave safe from William Wood.

On Saturday, Sleaford Town Reserves travel to Lincoln Railway AFC, kick-off 3pm.